The Church in Czech Republic
The Church’s history in the Czech Republic began in 1884 with the arrival of the first missionary in Prague. Despite challenges, the Church grew significantly after World War I, and the resilience of Latter-day Saints through political upheaval underscores their enduring faith.
Visit the Newsroom to see current events of the Church in Czech Republic.
History of the Church in Czech Republic
Thomas Biesinger, the first missionary in what is now the Czech Republic, arrived in Prague in February 1884—and was arrested for unauthorized preaching. After nearly 70 days in prison, Biesinger baptized his only convert, Anthon Just, before leaving the city.
Other Czechs in the Austro-Hungarian Empire joined the Church and returned to Czechoslovakia. After World War I, Františka Brodilová and her two daughters, who had joined the Church in Vienna, petitioned the Church to send missionaries to Prague. In 1928, Thomas Biesinger, now 84, traveled to Prague and obtained legal recognition for the Church. Czechoslovakia was soon dedicated, and the Czechoslovak Mission was organized.
Members kept the faith through the difficult days of World War II and after the rise of the Communist Party in 1948. In 1950, the Church was banned by the government. For nearly 50 years, Church members were not allowed to openly practice their faith. Nevertheless, Church members met as frequently as possible, becoming a unified and cohesive group, and found creative ways to share the gospel. Several members taught “Christian yoga” classes—a combination of gospel principles and yoga exercises—leading to the conversion of 130 people.
Since the reopening of the mission in 1991, membership in the Czech Republic has steadily grown. In 2016, the Prague Czech Republic Stake, the first in the Czech Republic, was created.
Stories of Faith
More Areas of the Church
Notes
- Campora, Olga Kovářová. “Fruits of Faithfulness: The Saints of Czechoslovakia.” In Women Steadfast in Christ: Talks Selected from the 1991 Women’s Conference Co-sponsored by Brigham Young University and the Relief Society. Edited by Dawn Hall Anderson and Marie Cornwall. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1992, 134–47.
- Campora, Olga Kovářová. Saint behind Enemy Lines. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997.
- Gardner, Marvin K. “Jirí and Olga Snederfler: A Closer Look at Two Czech Pioneers.” Liahona, Sept. 1997, 16–24.
- Hartley, William G. “A Missionary’s Two Months in Jail.” New Era, Nov. 1982, 8–12.
- Mehr, Kahlile B. Mormon Missionaries Enter Eastern Europe. Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Press, 2002.
- Mehr, Kahlile B. “Czech Saints: A Brighter Day.” Ensign, Aug. 1994, 46–52.
- Mehr, Kahlile B. “Enduring Believers: Czechoslovakia and the LDS Church, 1884–1990.” Journal of Mormon History, vol. 18, no. 2, Fall 1992, 111–154.
- Nelson, Russell M. “Drama on the European Stage.” Ensign, Dec. 1991, 6–17.
Pratt, Ruth McOmber, and Ann South Neindorf. “Her Mission Was Czechoslovakia.” Ensign, Aug. 1994, 53.